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Outside the Norm, Inside the Joy

 Today, I had both "levels" of 8th graders. While both were working with the same set of images, one group was focusing on the details and the imagery while another was deciding whether an image would go at the beginning, middle, or end of a story. What I had not expected on this cold, blustery Tuesday was to be blown away by student engagement!

4th hour is usually quiet silent. They wait until pressed and even then, pulling teeth is a more viable option. Today? We were yelling out answers, making each other laugh, and asking fantastic questions. They were almost unrecognizable!

5th period are talkers. Too many friends in one room can lead to chaos. Not today! Today, we were engaged. We wanted to know about the images, about the artists, about the reasons for the creation of the paintings. They used the iPads appropriately to see the images' specific details and features and make inferences based on what was presented. They talked to each other and discussed their thoughts, without any prompting. It was magical.

6th hour can be a bit of a crapshoot: talkative and a little wild or quiet and disengaged. Today, they veered a little more toward quiet, but definitely not disengaged! They asked questions, made inferences, quietly discussed their thoughts with peers around them, were brave enough to share out a few of those thoughts with the class. THEN, with only a few reminders, when they had finished uploading their paragraphs to Canvas, they moved onto independent silent reading. Independent. Silent. Reading.

Today, I had the opportunity to revel in student learning and meaningful, impactful conversations. 

Today, I had moments of true joy.

Comments

  1. MschiubookaMarch 17, 2026 at 8:45 PM

    “Today, I had the opportunity to revel in student learning and meaningful, impactful conversations.” Oh how I love these moments when teaching and learning click! I’m sure this is no coincidence- it’s all the work you put into planning and delivering engaging lessons. Bravo to you and your classes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Heidi's MusingsMarch 17, 2026 at 8:51 PM

    Sounds like a magical day where everything clicked. It's great to savor and celebrate those teaching moments that do bring joy. Kudos to you.

    ReplyDelete

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